Program Overview
The Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics program at Penn Medicine is dedicated to caring for individuals and families who have, or are at risk for, a hereditary gastrointestinal cancer and/or colon polyps. This includes patients with a personal or family history of pancreatic cancer, colon cancer or gastric cancer.
We offer state-of-the-art cancer risk evaluation, genetic counseling, genetic testing and medical care from an expert clinical team. Our physician specialists, genetic counselors and researchers provide their patients with the most current options for evaluating and managing cancer risk.
There are rapid advancements in research and knowledge in the field of cancer genetics. In addition to participating in research, our clinical team participates in ongoing education and values internal collaboration, meeting regularly with other cancer specialists at Penn.
Our clinical team members also participate in professional societies, both national and international, dedicated to cancer and cancer genetics.
Meet the Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics and Risk Evaluation Program team
Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Services
Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Evaluation Program (GI-CREP)
Are you concerned that you are at increased risk for gastrointestinal cancer (including colon, pancreatic, and/or gastric cancer) or polyposis based on your personal and/or family history?
Our Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Evaluation Program offers patients potentially at an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal polyps and/or gastrointestinal cancer:
- a comprehensive evaluation of their personal and family medical history
- a discussion of genetic testing options
- genetic testing (if applicable)
- a plan for managing cancer risk
Learn more about Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Evaluation at Penn
Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Clinic
Do you already have a diagnosis of a hereditary gastrointestinal cancer or polyposis syndrome and want to establish ongoing medical care with an expert physician who specializes in these syndromes?
Our physician specialists provide personalized, comprehensive care for their patients who have been diagnosed with a hereditary gastrointestinal cancer or polyposis syndrome, often collaborating with other specialists at Penn — including colorectal surgeons and medical oncologists.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Management Programs
The Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Program has designed the following cancer risk management programs to provide provide medical care and proactive health management for individuals and families with Lynch syndrome, increased pancreatic cancer risk, or hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome (HDGC).
Conditions We Treat
Our clinical team specializes in treating hereditary gastrointestinal cancer or polyposis syndromes, including:
Additionally, our team assists in the management of gastrointestinal cancer risk associated with:
- Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (aka 'PHTS' or 'Cowden syndrome')
Additional Screening
We offer patients access to additional procedures, screening and surveillance tests, including:
- Advanced endoscopic procedures, including device-assisted deep enteroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP)
- Advanced gastrointestinal imaging (capsule endoscopy)
- Standard endoscopic procedures (upper endoscopy and colonoscopy)
- Radiologic imaging